The Social Security (Income Support and Jobseeker’s Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2006

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulation 1996 (S.I. 1996/207) (“the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations”) and the Income Support (General) Regulations 1987 (S.I. 1987/1967) (“the Income Support Regulations”).

Regulation 2 amends the Jobseeker’s Allowance Regulations to change some of the jobseeker’s allowance entitlement conditions (namely that the person is available for employment, is actively seeking work and attends at such place and time as is specified) which a person can be treated as having met in two circumstances. Firstly, where the person is required to attend a court or tribunal as a justice of the peace, a party to any proceedings, a witness or a juror (similar provision is also made in the case of a member of a joint claim couple). Secondly, where the person is detained in custody in specified circumstances.

Regulation 2(2) amends the circumstances in which a carer does not have to meet the requirement to be available for work immediately.

Regulation 2(3)(a)(i) updates a cross-reference for persons regarded as available for work.

Regulation 3 amends the Income Support Regulations to change the circumstances in which a person can be entitled to income support where they are required to attend a court or tribunal as a justice of the peace, a party to any proceedings, a witness or a juror.

A full regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the cost of business.